Radially collapsible frame for a prosthetic valve and method for manufacturing such a frame

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a radially collapsible frame ( 1 ) for a prosthetic valve, the frame ( 1 ) comprising an outflow end region ( 3 ) at a proximal end of the frame ( 1 ) and an inflow end region ( 2 ) at a distal end of the frame ( 1 ), opposite to the outflow end region ( 3 ). The frame ( 1 ) further includes at least two radially spaced commissure attachment regions ( 10, 10′, 10 ″) and a cell structure ( 30 ), composed of a plurality of lattice cells being arranged radially around a flow axis of the frame ( 1 ) and connecting the at least two commissure attachment regions ( 10, 10′, 10 ″). Finally, at least one anchoring/positioning arch ( 20, 20′, 20 ″) is provided, wherein said at least one anchoring/positioning arch ( 20, 20′, 20 ″) radially overlaps the cell structure ( 30 ) at least partially. In order to form the inventive frame from as a single piece, the invention further relates to a method comprising bending the at least one anchoring/positioning arch ( 20, 20′, 20 ″) towards the cell structure ( 30 ) of the frame ( 1 ).

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/914,313, filed on Feb. 25, 2016, which is a U.S. national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2014/065817, filed on Jul. 23, 2014, which claims the benefit of priority to European Patent Application No. 13182346.0, filed on Aug. 30, 2013. Each of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/914,313 and International Application No. PCT/EP2014/065817 is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present invention relates to a radially collapsible frame for a prosthetic heart valve and a method for manufacturing such a frame. Specifically, the present invention relates to a radially collapsible frame for a prosthetic valve used in the treatment of a stenosis (narrowing) of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. In addition, the present invention relates to an endoprosthesis comprising the inventive radially collapsible frame.

The expression “narrowing (stenosis) of a cardiac valve and/or cardiac valve insufficiency” is intended to include a functional defect of one or more cardiac valves which is either genetic or has developed. A cardiac defect of this type might affect each of the four heart valves, although the valves in the left ventricle (aortic and mitral valves) are affected much more often than the right sided part of the heart (pulmonary and tricuspid valves). The functional defect can result in narrowing (stenosis), inability to close (insufficiency) or a combination of the two (combined vitium).

Radially collapsible frames for prosthetic heart valves are known in the state of the art. In particular, minimally-invasive forms of treatment of cardiac valves have been developed recently which are characterized by allowing the procedure to be performed under local anesthesia. One approach provides for the use of a catheter system to implant a self-expandable frame, which is connected to a collapsible valvular prosthesis. Such a self-expandable endoprosthesis can be guided via a catheter system to the implantation site within the heart through an inguinal artery or vein. After reaching the implantation site, the radially collapsible frame can be unfolded so as to anchor the endoprosthesis in the vicinity of a native valve annulus.

To this end, it is known that the radially collapsible frame may be comprised of, for example, a plurality of self-expanding substantially longitudinal arches, the arches being configured to hold a valvular prosthesis in place at the desired implantation site. The prior art document EP 1 980 220 A1, for instance, discloses a self-expandable stent having three retaining arms (20) which form the base for an anchoring segment for accommodating a valvular prosthesis (40). In order to automatically position and orientate the common frame described by the EP 1 980 220 A1, a total of three positioning arches (10) are provided. The positioning arches (10) have a rounded head portion (12) which engages the pockets of an insufficient heart valve, which shall be replaced by the known endoprosthesis. These three positioning arches (10) ensure that the requisite positioning accuracy can be obtained in the direction of rotation and provide for additional radial clamping forces in order to support the implantation of the stent at the desired implantation side.

Additionally, when the known frame (1) is in its expanded state, the respective positioning arms of the positioning arches (10) are located in the pockets of the diseased heart valve and thus essentially guarantee secure and error-free positioning of the medical device. The pocket flaps of the diseased heart valve are then clamped between the positioning arches (10) and the retaining arches (20), in a manner similar to a paper-clip, due to the expansion of the endoprosthesis 1. This further assists in achieving an optimum positioning and anchoring of the known heart valve frame.

As a consequence of the clamping effect between the positioning arches (10) and the retaining arches (20), the radially collapsible frames known from the prior art tend to allow for a frictional contact between the valvular prosthesis and the diseased native heart valves, as the valvular prosthesis is frequently directly connected to the retaining arches of the collapsible frame. Such a frictional contact between the diseased heart valve and the valvular prosthesis can result in increased wear of the valvular prosthesis, due to undesired friction with the diseased heart valve. Furthermore, due to the common frame configuration, the diseased heart valve may impede the motion of the valvular prosthesis, especially during the opening movement of the prosthetic valve leaflet. In some circumstances, this may mean that the prosthetic heart valve leaflets may not be able to open fully, as a consequence of the presence of the diseased heart valve leaflets. Moreover, the common stent structures often fail to provide for sufficient radial forces in order to anchor the stent structure at the desired implantation side. As a consequence, inadvertent relocation of the stent after implantation may occur.

On the basis of the problems outlined above, certain embodiments of the present invention address the issue of providing a radially collapsible frame for a prosthetic valve, which guarantees perfect positioning of the heart valve prosthesis and, at the same time, protects the prosthetic valvular leaflets effectively from external stresses due to a frictional contact with the native heart valve leaflets. In addition, the inventive frame should provide for a treatment of the narrowed cardiac valve or cardiac valve insufficiency by way of a simple and reliable procedure to enable a routine treatment without major stress to the patient.

In this regard, and as it will be described in more detail below, the invention provides a radially collapsible frame for a prosthetic heart valve comprising an outflow region at a proximal end of the frame and an inflow end region at a distal end of the frame, opposite to the outflow end region. The radially collapsible frame further includes at least two radially spaced commissure attachment regions located at the outflow end of the frame and being configured to receive commissures of the prosthetic valve leaflets. A cell structure composed of a plurality of lattice cells is being arranged radially around a flow axis of the frame and connects the at least two commissure attachment regions. Finally, the radially collapsible frame further comprises at least one anchoring/positioning arch, wherein said at least one anchoring/positioning arch radially overlaps the cell structure, at least partially.

In medical terms, the commissure of a heart valve is a point or line of union or junction between the respective leaflets of a heart valve. In the closed state of a heart valve, the commissures can be described as the points or lines of a leaflet, contacting another leaflet in order to close the particular blood vessel. Naturally, the leaflets of a heart valve are continuously in contact with each other at two or more commissure edges which are radially distributed about the flow axis of a prosthetic heart valve. In this connection, the expression “commissure attachment region” describes an arrangement of struts located at the outflow end of the inventive stent, which is configured to receive the at least two commissure edges of the leaflets. Normally, the number of commissure attachment regions complies with the number of commissure edges formed by the leaflets.

Furthermore, the term “radially overlapping” expresses that the at least one anchoring/positioning arch is located along the same section of the frames flow axis as the cell structure. The anchoring/or positioning arch is, however, not part of the cell structure but radially distanced therefrom. In particular, the at least one anchoring/positioning arch may extend radially outwardly from the circumference of the cell structure, and hence, overlap the latter at least partly.

Accordingly, the inventive frame has the advantage that a cell structure, which is composed of a plurality of lattice cells, prevents any undesired contact between the native heart valve leaflets and the valvular prosthesis. In particular, the cell structure is disposed between the valvular prosthesis and the leaflets of the native valve. Therefore, the cell structure forms a separation wall in between and, additionally, provides for an improved clamping effect of the native heart valve leaflets together with the at least one anchoring/positioning arch. Moreover, the inventive collapsible frame does not necessarily have to provide for retaining arches, as it is conceivable to attach the valvular prosthesis directly to the plurality of lattice cells of the cell structure, by means of threads for example. Finally, it should be noted that the cell structure provides for an additional support of the inventive frame at the desired implantation side.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one anchoring/positioning arch of the collapsible frame may be rigidly attached to the at least two radially spaced commissure attachment regions. In particular, it is preferred to form the at least anchoring/positioning arch integrally with the at least two radially spaced commissure attachment regions as a single piece. In this way, the inventive radially collapsible frame is particularly robust and provides for a stable support of the valvular prosthesis within a patient's blood vessel. As it will be described in more detail below, all of the parts of the inventive frame may be cut out of a single hollow tube of shape memory material. Consequently, the radially overlapping at least one anchoring/positioning arch does not need to be fixed to the collapsible frame, by means of sutures, welding or adhesive, after the radially spaced commissure attachment regions and the cell structure have been cut out of the hollow metal tube. Instead, the at least one anchoring/positioning arch is cut out of the same hollow tube as the rest of the radially collapsible frame, wherein the at least one anchoring/positioning arch is formed proximally of the outflow end region of the frame and bend in a distal direction (towards the inflow end), so as to radially overlap the cell structure, after a laser cutting has been performed.

Of course, it is also feasible to apply other means of attaching the anchoring/positioning arch rigidly to the frame, such as welding, sewing, gluing or riveting for instance. According to this alternative, the at least one anchoring/positioning arch is formed as separate piece and attached to the frame structure subsequently, after the frame has been cut out of the hollow metal tube. In more detail, the at least one separate anchoring/positioning arch may be welded to the commissure attachment regions in such a way that the at least one anchoring/positioning arch radially overlaps the cell structure at least partially and extends in a direction towards the in flow end of the frame. As a consequence, it is not necessary to bend the at least one anchoring/position arch during a shape-setting process of the frame.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the inventive frame further comprises a plurality of circumferentially arranged retaining arches, each including first and second arms joined to one another at a distal end of the retaining arches. The two arms of each respective retaining arch are joined by a rounded structure. The provision of circumferentially arranged retaining arches provides for various advantages effects. In particular, the retaining arches, which substantially range from the outflow end to the inflow end of the inventive frame, protrude radially in the expanded state of the frame to press against the wall of a patient's blood vessel in which the frame is deployed with a radially-acting contact force. The shape of the retaining arches may be configured to be positioned below the native valve annulus or to be positioned at least on the native valve annulus, thereby providing additional anchoring for the inventive stent together with a valvular prosthesis affixed thereto. As an alternative or in addition to the cell structure of the frame, the retaining arches may be used in order to attach the valvular prosthesis to the collapsible frame. In particular, a cusp edge of the valvular prosthesis may be sutured to the retaining arches, at an opposite and of the free commissure edges of the leaflets. In this connection, the first and second arms of each retaining arch may be shaped in such a way as to imitate the natural arcuate shape of the cusp edges of a native heart valve.

To this end, the two arms of each retaining arch are joined to one another at a connection, preferably having a substantially U- or V-shaped structure. As mentioned before, this particular shape of the retaining arches may particularly imitate the natural shape of a heart valve cusp region. The U- or V-shaped retaining arches may be located in such a way that the closed portion of the U- or V-shape forms the connection of the two arms in a distal direction, towards the inflow end of the frame. The open ends of the U- or V-shaped structure, on the contrary, may be attached to the at least two commissure attachment regions. Therefore, the retaining arches preferably have an open end directed towards the outflow end of the radially collapsible frame.

According to another embodiment, an entirety of three anchoring/positioning arches and an entirety of three retaining arches are provided at the inventive frame. Consequently, it is preferable to further provide for an entirety of three radially spaced commissure attachment regions, which are connected to the three anchoring/positioning arches and the three retaining arches respectively. In this regard, each first arm of the three anchoring/positioning arches or retaining arches respectively may be connected with a first commissure attachment region, whereas each second arm may be attached to a second neighboring commissure attachment region. In this way, each anchoring position arch and each retaining arch is connected with at least two of the radially spaced commissure attachments of the frame. The provision of three retaining arches is particularly useful when accommodating a valvular prosthesis having three flexible leaflets such as an aortic valve, for example. The same applies to the number of anchoring/positioning arches, which should comply with the number of leaflets of the valvular prosthesis so as to guarantee a suitable orientation of each leaflet at the desired implantation site.

As already indicated, the adjacent arms of two neighboring retaining arches preferably merge at one of the commissure attachment regions, near the outflow end region of the frame. Accordingly, each of the retaining arches is connected to a neighboring retaining arch at one of the commissure attachment regions, forming a circumferentially aligned attachment region for the cusp edges of the valvular prosthesis.

In another embodiment, the cell structure of the frame comprises a first cell region composed of a plurality of first cells, the first cells being arranged between the respective first and second arms of each retaining arch. Additionally, the cell structure may comprise a second cell region composed of a plurality of second cells, the second cells being arranged between adjacent arms of two neighboring retaining arches. In other words, the cell structure is preferably composed of at least two different cell types, which are arranged in an alternating manner radially around a flow axis of the frame. The first and second cell regions are intersected by the respective arms of the retaining arches. Preferably, the first and second cells of the first and second cell regions are constructed with a similar pattern and size. However, it is also conceivable to construct the first and second cells with differently. In particular, it may be desirable to implement a denser cell structure in the second cell region compared to the density of the cell structure in the first cell region. This is because the mainly second cell region provides for the stability of the inventive frame, whereas the first cell region is mainly provided in order to protect the valvular prosthesis from any direct contact with the native heart valves. Of course, however, the first cell region being arranged between the respective first and second arms of each retaining arch, also adds to the stability of the present frame.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one anchoring/positioning arch particularly radially overlaps the first cell region of the cell structure. In other words, the at least one anchoring/positioning arch is preferably arranged in between the respective first and second arms of each retaining arch, and thus, circumferentially aligned with the retaining arches.

According to another embodiment, each of the first cells or second cells is formed by a plurality of struts. Accordingly, each of the struts is either connected with one of the neighboring cells of the respective cell regions or with one of the arms of the retaining arches respectively. As already indicated above, each of the struts of the first and second cells is preferably formed by a laser cutting of a hollow shaped memory metal tube, providing for integrally connected first and second cells of the frame structure.

As already indicated above, each of the positioning arches and each of the retaining arches include a closed end directed towards the inflow end of the frame, wherein the closed end of a respective anchoring/positioning arch is substantially circumferentially aligned with respect to the closed end of an associated retaining arch. In other words, the positioning arches are configured symmetrically to the retaining arches although preferably disposed somewhat further towards the outflow region of the frame. Moreover, the upper end of the positioning arches may be connected to the upper ends of the associated retaining arches by means of the at least two radially space commissure attachment regions in the outflow region of the frame. In the expanded state of the frame, both, the commissure attachment region and the respective upper end of the positioning and retaining arches spread out so that a radially-acting force is exerted on a blood vessel wall, thereby enabling secure anchoring of the stent at the site of implantation. The circumferentially aligned lower end of the anchoring/positioning arch, on the other hand, spreads out even further than the retaining arches and the cell structure, so as to be able to engage the pockets of the native heart valve, thereby clamping the native heart valve leaflets between the lower of the anchoring/position arch and the lower end of the respective retaining arch.

In another embodiment, the present radially collapsible frame comprises at least one fastening portion by means of which a valvular prosthesis is connected to the frame. The at least one fastening portion preferably extends along the longitudinal axis of the frame and comprises a plurality of fastening holes distributed in a longitudinal direction at a discrete position along the length of the at least one fastening portion. A thread of thin wire may be guided through each fastening hole to secure the valvular prosthesis to the stent. The advantage of this feature is that longitudinal displacement of the valvular relative to the frame is a substantially minimized once implanted and so the prosthesis is not unduly disturbed or weakened as a result of the hearts peristaltic motion.

In addition to fastening holes, the fastening portion may include one or more notches to assist the seating and retaining of suture material. The notches also assist with an even attachment of the prosthesis to the frame and similarly to the fastening holes, minimizing longitudinal displacement of the prosthesis. The fastening portions are preferably formed as an integral part of the retaining arches. Nevertheless, it is also conceivable to implement fastening portions along any of the remaining structures of the inventive frame, such as the commissure attachment regions.

According to another embodiment, the retaining arches have a shape that matches the leaflets of a prosthetic valve attached to the frame, in the expanding state of the frame. This specific design of the respective arms of the retaining arches is unique for catheter delivered valves as it provides for heart valve durability advantages. The so formed arms of the retaining arches for supporting the cusp edge of the leaflets of the valvular prosthesis are attached to the frame across a gap behind the positioning arches and the cell structure respectively.

In order to further increase the support of the frame at the implantation site, the inventive frame may comprise at least one annular collar which is connected to a part of the rounded structure at a distal end section of the respective arms of the retaining arches. That is, the lower end section of each arm of the retaining arches may merge into an annular collar, which provides an additional anchoring measure for the frame. Furthermore, the annular collar may also be connected to the lower end of the second cell region. The annular collar may exhibit a plurality of supporting webs which run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fame in its collapsed state and are inter-connected by transversal webs. In the expanded state of the frame, however, the supporting webs and the transversal webs of the annular collar may form a rhomboid or serpentine-like annular collar which abuts against the vascular wall of the patient. Therefore, the annular collar serves a supporting body through which the radial forces developing due to the self-expansion are transmitted to the vascular wall. Since a relatively large contact area of the frame interacts with the vascular wall, because of the structure of the annular collar, there may be a decreased risk of injury to artery or the tissue despite the increased radial forces. Moreover, the annular collar may be used to attach a skirt portion of the valvular prosthesis to the inventive frame. In this way, the risk for paravalvular leakage can be substantially reduced.

Each of the supporting webs of the annular collar may further provide for an eyelet as an additional fastening means. In this regard, the eyelets are uniformly distributed around the inflow end section of the frame, thereby providing a more uniform fixation of a valvular prosthesis to the frame. Hence, the risk of an actual displacement of the valvular prosthesis relative to the frame may be reduced.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the lower end section of the annular collar constitute at least one flared or tapered section, in the expanded state of the frame, thereby providing for an improved fixation for the frame in the position of the native cardiac valve and for preventing antegrade migration of the frame having a valvular prosthesis affixed thereto.

Preferably, the annular collar has a flared or tapered section with a radial shape. However, it is also conceivable that the flared or tapered section is not uniform along the circumference of the frame. For example, the annular collar may have a flare only near the location of the positioning arches, wherein no flares are provided near the commissure attachment regions, i.e. the regions in between the two arms of two neighboring position arches.

According to a most advantages embodiment, the annular collar may comprise a flared and a tapered section at the same time. In particular, the upper end of the annular collar, which is connected to the lower end of the retaining arches and to the lower end of the second cell region respectively, may be flared, whereas the lower end of the annular collar, which is located at the inflow end of the frame, may be tapered. In simple terms, the annular collar may have a substantially pear-shaped configuration, which effectively prevents damage to the patient's heart vessel caused by contact with the annular collar. If the present frame is used in order to support the implantation of a prosthetic aortic heart valve, for example, this specific configuration of the annular collar is particularly advantageous. This is because the pear-shaped annular collar prevents the frame from irritating the heart conduction system by stimulating the bundle of his which is located below the natural heart valve annulus, i.e. at the position where the annular collar is supposed to be arranged. By forming the annular collar in a pear-shape, it is possible to exclusively contact the lower region of the native heart valve annulus so as to support the inventive frame at the implantation site. Any region further into the heart chamber, on the other hand, is not affected by the annular collar, as the lower end section is tapered and hence does not contact the walls of the heart chamber at whole.

In another embodiment, the inventive frame has a scalloped inflow edge designed at its distal end when the frame is in its expanded state. Hence, the inflow edge of the frame does not lie entirely in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frame. Rather, the edge of the frame at its inflow end region may have a scalloped shape. In addition, the scalloped inflow edge may also be flared or tapered around its circumference or only at the selected location. For example, one embodiment may include a flare at the inflow edge only near the location of the positioning arches and transition to a none-flared straight cylindrical shape in the area between two neighboring positioning arches. In particular, the location of the respective flares and the respective straight cylindrical shape may be determined by the location of the arms of the respective retaining arches to which the tissue component (s) of the valvular prosthesis is attached. The scalloped shape generally follows the native valve annulus and does not compromise the ability of the valve to seal against leakage.

As will be described in more detail below, when manufacturing the inventive frame, it is conceivable for the frame to exhibit a structure integrally cut from a portion of a hollow tube, in particular from a small metal tube, which incorporates all of the structures of the frame at the same time. Specifically, it is conceivable to use a laser beam to cut the stent structure from the small metal tube.

The small metal tube is most preferably a shape memory material such that the frame exhibits an integrally-formed structure which can transform from a first pre-definable shape into a second pre-definable shape. Therefore, the frame exhibits a first pre-definable shape (collapsed shape) during insertion into the patient's body and a second pre-definable shape (expanded shape) once it is implanted. Because of the frames design, during the transition of the frame from the first pre-definable shape into the second pre-definable shape, the positioning arches and the cell structure radially expand as a function of the cross-sectional expansion of the frame. The frames second shape is preferably selected such that when the frame is expanded, the cell structure abuts against the wall of the blood vessel in which the frame is deployed. In addition, the lower ends of the cell structure which are positioned beneath the native valve annulus, provide additional anchoring of the stent.

When the frame consists of shaped memory material, the material is preferably being designed such that the frame can transform from a temporary shape into a permanent shape under the influence of an external stimulus. In this regard, the temporary shape is the frames first shape (i.e. the collapsed state of the frame) while the permanent shape is assumed in the frames second shape (i.e. in the second state of the frame). In particular, the use of a shape memory material such as Nitinol, i.e. an equiatomic alloy of nickel and titanium, allows for a particularly gentle implantation procedure when implanting the frame. When manufacturing the frame from a shape memory material, the frame structure is preferably shaped after it has been cut into a stent pattern from a hollow tube. As will be described in more detail below, once the desired shape has been formed by bending the structures of the frame, this shape is “fixed”. This process is known as “programming”. Programming may be affected by heating the frame structure, forming the frame into the desired shape and then cooling the frame. Programming may also be affected by forming and shaping the frame structure at low temperatures, this being known as “cold stretching”. The permanent shape is thus saved, enabling the frame to be stored and implanted in a temporary, non-formed shape. If an external stimulus then acts on the stents structure, the shape memory effect is activated and the saved permanent shape is restored.

A particularly preferred embodiment provides for the external stimulus to be a definable switching temperature. It is thus conceivable that the stent material needs to be heated to a higher temperature than the switching temperature in order to activate the shape memory effect and thus regenerate the saved permanent shape of the stent. A specific switching temperature can be preset by the relevant selection of the chemical composition of the shape memory material and the heating time during programming.

It is particularly preferred to set the switching temperature to be in the range of between room temperature and the patient's body temperature. Doing so is of advantage, especially with regard to the medical device being used as an implant in a patient's body. Accordingly, all that needs to be ensured when implanting the frame is that the frame is warmed up to the patient's body temperature (37° C.) at the site of implementation so as to activate the shape memory effect of the frame material.

By means of the inventive frame, a diseased native heart valve may be treated. In this connection a prosthetic valve (valvular prosthesis) is supported on the inventive radially collapsible frame. Thereafter, the at least one anchoring/positioning arch is positioned within a pocket of the native heart valve. Subsequently, at least a portion of the native heart valve is positioned between the at least one anchoring/positioning arch and the plurality of cells of the cell structure. Finally, a radial force is applied against a portion of the vascular wall, by means of the commissure attachment region and the cell structure, for example, so as to fix the frame and the prosthetic valve to the desired implantation site.

As already indicated before, the present invention further relates to an endoprosthesis comprising the inventive radially collapsible frame. The endoprosthesis further includes a valvular prosthesis which is attached to an inner surface of the frame, preferably by means of sutures. The endoprosthesis may be used to treat any deficient heart valve, most preferably a deficient aortic heart valve. Due to the inventive structure of the radially collapsible frame, the endoprosthesis can be fixed securely to the native heart valve annulus and exhibits a particularly high wear resistance.

For the majority of patients undergoing treatment, it is preferable for the endoprosthesis to have an outer diameter of approximately 7.0 mm to approximately 5.0 mm in its first shape so that the valvular prosthesis can be introduced with a 23F delivery system (given an external diameter of 7.0 mm) or with a 17F delivery system (given an external diameter of 5.0 mm).

Due to the new frame design, the inventive endoprosthesis can achieve an outer diameter between approximately 4.0 mm to approximately 8.0 mm in its first shape. Accordingly, the new endoprosthesis may be introduced with a 20F delivery system, preferably an 18F delivery system, more preferably a 16F delivery system and most preferably a 14F delivery system. Therefore, the endoprosthesis according to the present invention can be introduced into a patient's blood vessel easier and causes less damage.

After the endoprosthesis has been released from the catheter tip, in the implanted state respectively, the endoprosthesis exhibits a second predefined shape in which the stent and the valve assembly affixed thereto is in an expanded state (expanded condition). Depending on the patient being treated, it is preferable for the frame to exhibit a diameter of between 19.0 mm and 27.0 mm in its second shape and implanted state.

The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a radially collapsible frame according to the present invention. In particular, the inventive method comprises a step for providing a hollow tube made of shaped memory material, followed by a step for scanning a beam of laser radiation over a desired region of the hollow tube, such that a desired pattern is cut into the tube, thereby cutting a stent pattern. In particular, the laser scanning step is configured in such a way that the stent pattern comprises a basic frame cell structure defining a mash, composed of a plurality of cells, each cell being formed by a plurality of struts, and at least one anchoring/positioning arch extending away from the plurality of cells of the cell structure. In other words, by scanning the hollow tube with a beam of laser radiation, a stent pattern is cut out comprising a cell structure and at least one anchoring/positioning arch located above the latter cell structure.

Subsequently, in a shape setting process, the final structure of the radially collapsible frame is defined by bending the at least one anchoring/positioning arch into the direction of the cell structure in such a way that the at least one anchoring/positioning arch extends in substantially the same direction as the plurality of cells of the cell structure. Accordingly, the so bent at least one anchoring/positioning arch radially overlaps the plurality of cells of the cells structure at least partially. As a consequence, the at least one anchoring/positioning arch is radially distanced from the cell structure of the frame. That is, the at least one anchoring/positioning arch is positioned in a radial distance from a flow axis of the frame, which is further than the cell structure.

In order to prevent the beam of laser radiation from cutting two opposite ends of the hollow tube made of shaped memory material at the same time, the step for scanning the metal tube with a beam of laser radiation may include a step for placing the hollow tube on a mandrel. Thus, after cutting one surface of the hollow tube, the beam of laser radiation hits the surface of the mandrel and hence does not affect another opposite part of the hollow tube. In this connection, it should be noted that the cut out stent pattern is removed from the mandrel before the aforementioned shape-setting process of the inventive method is performed.

According to another embodiment of the present method, the shape setting process may apply a heat treatment process to the stent pattern. In more detail, the heat treatment process can be used in order to set the permanent shape of the frame to a shape with an at least partly radially overlapping anchoring/positioning arch. Of course, the permanent shape is configured to be the expanded shape of the inventive collapsible frame. That is, in the temporary shape the frame is flexible and hence can be collapsed in order to be introduced by an insertion device.

The following will make reference to the included drawings and describe preferred embodiments of the frame according to the present invention in greater detail.

Shown are:

FIG. 1 a perspective side view of a first embodiment of the radially collapsible frame according to the present invention, capable of supporting and anchoring a valvular prosthesis, shown in its expanded state;

FIG. 2 a second perspective side view of the frame according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 a flat roll-out view of a preferred embodiment of the cut out stent pattern, which can be used to manufacture a radially collapsible frame in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4a a flat roll-out view of a cut out stent pattern without anchoring positioning arches, which can be used to manufacture a radially collapsible frame according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 4b a flat roll-out view of anchoring/positioning arches, which can be used to manufacture a radially collapsible frame according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 4c a flat roll-out view of a second embodiment of the inventive frame, comprising the cut out stent pattern of FIG. 4a and the anchoring/positioning arches of FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 5 a flat roll-out view of a third embodiment of the inventive radially collapsible frame.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first and second perspective view of a first embodiment of a radially collapsible frame 1 in accordance with the present invention. In this connection, it should be noted that FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively only show the depicted front half of the frame embodiment. In detail, the back half of the depicted frame which includes further commissure attachment regions and cell structures is not depicted in order to ease the understanding of the present invention.

The first embodiment of the inventive radially collapsible frame 1 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises an outflow end region 3 at a proximal end of the frame and an inflow end region 2 at a distal end of the frame, opposite the outflow end region 3. If the present collapsible frame 1 is used as a supporting structure for an aortic heart valve replacement, for example, the outflow end region 3 is positioned towards the descending aorta, whereas the inflow end region 2 is located below the native valve annulus, that is, inside the left ventricle of the patient's heart.

As can further be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the radially collapsible frame further comprises at least two radially spaced commissure regions 10, 10′, 10″ located at the outflow region 3 of the frame 1. In the depicted embodiment the frame 1 comprises three radially spaced commissure regions, only two of which are depicted due to the fact that the back half is omitted from the respective side views. The commissure attachment regions 10 comprise a commissure attachment portion 12 which is configured to receive commissure edges of prosthetic valve leaflets of a valvular prosthesis. It should be noted that the valvular prosthesis is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in order to improve the visability of the structures of the inventive collapsible frame. In connection with the attachment of the commissure edges of the prosthetic valve leaflets, the attention is drawn to U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,382 B1, which shows various options for attaching a leaflet to the respective commissure attachment regions.

At the proximal end of the commissure attachment regions 10, 10′, 10″, retaining portions 11, 11′, 11″ are provided. The retaining portions 11, 11′, 11″ may comprise eyelets (not shown) which can be used in order to temporarily attach the inventive frame to a medical insertion device. Alternatively, the retaining portions could be received by grooves of a retaining element attached to the insertion device. The retaining portions 11, 11′, 11″ may comprise the depicted round shape. However, it is also conceivable to form the retaining portions 11, 11′, 11″ in any other shape, such as rectangular or polygonal shapes.

The radially spaced commissure attachment regions 10, 10′, 10″ are connected with each other by means of a cell structure 30 composed of a plurality of lattice cells 31, 31′, 31″, 32, 32′, 32″ which are arranged radially around a flow axis (not shown) of the frame 1. The flow axis of the inventive frame is basically defined by the longitudinal axis of the frame, around which all of the depicted frame structures are disposed circumferentially. As shown, the cell structure 30 is located beneath the radially spaced commissure attachment regions 10, 10′, 10″ and attached with the lower end of the commissure attachment portions 12, 12′, 12″. The commissure attachment portions 12, 12′, 12″ are designed so as to receive commissure edges of the leaflets of a valvular prosthesis. For this reason, the commissure attachment portions 12, 12′, 12″ comprise a plurality of fastening holes (FIG. 3), providing a means for suturing the valvular prosthesis to the frame 1.

The cell structure 30 may be used in order to attach the cusp edges of a valvular prosthesis to the frame. In the depicted embodiment, however, the cell structure 30 functions in order to protect the leaflets of the valvular prosthesis from any contact with the natural heart valve leaflets. In other words, the cell structure 30 may be used as a leaflet guard as will be described in more detail below.

Further to the cell structure 30 and the radially spaced commissure attachment regions 10, 10′, 10″, the inventive frame comprises at least one, in particular three, anchoring/positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″. The anchoring/positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ radially overlap the cell structure 30 at least partially. In other words, the anchoring/positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ are positioned at a radial distance from the flow axis, which is further than the radial distance of the cell structure 30 from the flow axis. That is, the anchoring/positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ extend radially outwards relative to the cell structure 30.

Moreover, each of the positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ comprises an eyelet 21, 21′, 21″ at a distal end thereof. The eyelets 21, 21′, 21″ may be used in order to carry radiopaque markers (not shown) that help with introducing the inventive frame into a patient's blood vessel.

Each of the at least one anchoring/positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ is rigidly attached to two neighboring commissure attachment regions 10, 10′, 10″. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the anchoring/positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ are each formed integrally with two of the radially spaced commissure attachment regions 10, 10′, 10″ so as to form a single piece frame 1.

The first embodiment described by FIGS. 1 and 2 further comprises a plurality of circumferentially arranged retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″. Each of the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ comprises a first arm 40 a, 40 a′, 40 a″ joined to a second arm 40 b, 40 b′, 40 b″ at a distal end of the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″. The two arms 40 a, 40 a′, 40 a″, 40 b, 40 b′, 40 b″ are joined by a rounded structure at the distal end, that is the direction of the inflow section 2 of the frame 1. It should be noted, however, that the retaining arches are completely optional and may be replaced by the cell structure 30 in further embodiments of the present invention.

The retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ provide for a better support of the inventive frame 1 at the desired implantation site and provide for an attachment region for the cusp edge of the leaflets of the valvular prosthesis. In more detail, the cusp edge of a valvular prosthesis can be sutured to the respective arms 40 a, 40 a′, 40 a″, 40 b, 40 b′, 40 b″ of the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ by means of threads or wires. In order to improve the attachment of the valvular prosthesis with the arms 40 a, 40 a′, 40″, 40 b, 40 b′, 40 b″ of the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ each of the arms 40 a, 40 a′, 40 a″, 40 b, 40 b′, 40 b″ may comprise a plurality of notches which are arranged substantially along substantially the hole range of the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″. The notches 41 may further assist the flexibility of the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ and hence the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ can easily be adapted to the cusp edge of the prosthetic leaflets. In addition or as an alternative to the notches, the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ may be provided with a plurality of fastening holes, distributed along the retaining arms 40 a, 40 a′, 40 a″, 40 b, 40 b′, 40 b″.

Particularly shown in FIG. 1 is that the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ are circumferentially aligned with the positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″. This is because the native valve leaflets are preferably clamped between the positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ and the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ respectively. For the same reason, the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ and the anchoring/positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ have substantially the same shape, preferably a substantially U- or V-shaped structure.

Adjacent arms of two neighboring retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ or positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ merge at one of the commissure attachment regions 10, 10′, 10″, near the outflow end region 3 of the frame. Therefore, the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ and the positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ are connected to each other near the outflow end region 3, particularly via the commissure attachment portions 12, 12′, 12″ of the commissure attachment regions 10, 10′, 10″.

As already mentioned above, the first and second arms 40 a, 40 a′, 40 a″, 40 b, 40 b′, 40 b″ of the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ intersect the cell structure 30 of the frame 1 according to the first embodiment. Due to this, the cell structure 30 comprises a first cell region 31 composed of a plurality of first cells, arranged between the respective first and second arms 40 a, 40 b, 40 a′, 40 b′, 40 a″, 40 b″ of each retaining arch 40, 40′, 40″ and a second cell region 32, composed of a plurality of second cells. In contrast to the first cells of the first cell region 31, the second cells of the second cell region 32 are arranged between adjacent arms of two neighboring retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″. One example of the second cells 32, 32′, 32″ can be derived from the perspective side view of FIG. 2. In this regard, the second cell region 32 is located between the first arm 40 a of the first retaining arch 40 and the second arm 40 b″ of the third retaining arch 40″.

Each of the first cells and/or second cells of the first and second cell region 31, 31′, 31″, 32, 32′, 32″ is formed by a plurality of struts 311, 321 which are connected with retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ or each other respectively such that an onion-shaped cell structure is formed. The density of the first cell region 31, 31′,31″ is substantially equal to the density of the second cell region 32, 32′, 32″. Alternatively, it is also feasible to manufacture the frame 1 with first and second cell regions 31, 31′, 31″, 32, 32′, 32″ having different cell densities. In this regard, it is most preferable to construct the cell regions 31, 31′, 31″ in such a way that the density of the second cell region 32, 32′, 32″ is denser than the density of the first cell region 31, 31′, 31″.

The first and second cell regions 31, 31′, 31″ and 32, 32′, 32″ respectively have different functions in the depicted embodiment. The second cell region 32, 32′, 32″, on the one hand, provides for the requisite annular stability of the frame 1. The first cell region 31, 31′, 31″, which is arranged between the two arms 40 a, 40 a′, 40 a″, 40 b, 40 b′, 40 b″ of each respective retaining arm 40, 40′, 40″, on the other hand, is configured as a leaflet guard. That is, the first cell 31, 31′, 31″ region mainly stops the native heart valve leaflets from contacting the leaflets of the valvular prosthesis which can be attached to the inside of the frame 1. Of course, the first cell regions 31, 31′, 31″ also provides for some stability of the inventive frame 1.

FIGS. 1 to 3 further show that the inventive frame 1 may have at least one annular collar 50, which is connected to a lower part of the rounded structure, at the distal end section of each of the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″. The annular collar 50 provides for an additional support of the frame 1 at the desired implantation site. In addition to the connection with the retaining arms 40, 40′, 40″ the annular collar 50 is connected to each or a few of the lower cells of the second cell region 32, 32′, 32″, which are arranged between adjacent arms 40 a, 40 a′, 40 a″, 40 b, 40 b′, 40 b″ of two neighboring retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″.

The annular collar 50 may constitute at least one flared and/or tapered section of the frame for improving fixation of the frame 1 in the position of the diseased valve of the patient and for preventing antegrade migration of the frame having a prosthetic valve affixed thereto. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 particularly shows that the struts 51 of the annular collar 50 are flared outwardly, so as to constitute a flared section of the frame 1. Another preferred alternative, however, is to construct the annular collar 50 in a substantial pear-shape. In more detail, the pear-shape is represented by a flared upper portion of the annular collar 50, which is connected to the cell structure 30 and the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ respectively, and a lower tapered section, which forms the inflow end 2 of the frame 1. In this way, the inflow end 2 of the frame 1 provides the stability of a flared section and is tapered inwardly in order to prevent forth stimulation of the nerves of the heart conduction system.

The particular flared and/or tapered shape of the annular collar 50 is preferably only visible in the expanded state of the frame 1, as can be derived from a comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3. Preferably, the flared or tapered section of the frame has a circular shape. However, according to anther embodiment, the annular collar 50 may only have flared or tapered sections provided near the location of the retaining arches and no flared or tapered sections near the regions in between the two arms of neighboring retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″. The annular collar 50 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is constructed of a plurality of struts formed in a rhomboidal shape.

FIG. 3 is a flat roll out view of the frame 1 according to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. From FIG. 3 it is readily apparent that the frame 1 preferably exhibits a structure, which is integrally cut from a portion of a tube, in particular from a small metal tube. The small metal tube is preferably made of a shape memory material such as Nitinol. Of course, other shape memory materials are equivalently feasibly. FIG. 3 shows the flat roll out view of the frame 1 in its first collapsed mode. Of course, when the frame 1 is being introduced into the patient's body, it is transferred to its second expanded mode, which is illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2. That is, the frame consists of a shape memory material such that the frame can transform from a temporary shape into a permanent shape under influence of an external stimulus. The temporary shape of the frame corresponds to the first compressed mode of the frame 1 (FIG. 3) and the permanent shape of the frame corresponds to the second expanded mode of the frame 1 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

The external stimulus can be a definable switching temperate bridge, which is preferably in the range of between room temperature and body temperature of the patient, so as to enable the frame 1 to expand as soon as the frame 1 gets in contact with the blood of the patient.

The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the radially collapsible frame 1. This method shall be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. Firstly a hollow tube made of shape memory material is provided and cut into the stent pattern shown in FIG. 3 by scanning a beam of laser radiation over the desired regions of the hollow tube. The cut out stent pattern of FIG. 3 shows a particularly important aspect, namely that the positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ are formed above the cell structure 30, the commissure attachment regions 10, 10′, 10″ and the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ during the step for laser cutting. This is because, otherwise the positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ could not be produced at the same time as the first cell region 31, 31′, 31″ of the cell structure 30.

After cutting the stent pattern by means of laser radiation, a shape-setting process is carried out in order to rearrange the direction of the anchoring/positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″. In this way, the final structure of the radially collapsible frame 1, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be produced from a single piece of hollow tube. The shape-setting process includes a step for bending the anchoring/positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ such that the at least one anchoring/positioning arch 20, 20′, 20″ extends in the same direction as the plurality of cells of the cell structure 30 or the retaining arches 40, 40′, 40″ respectively. In the depicted embodiment, the shape-setting process comprises a step for bending the anchoring/positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ downward towards the inflow end 2 of the frame 1.

Bending the anchoring/positioning arches 20, 20′, 20″ downward towards the inflow 2 of the inventive frame may be implemented by applying a heat treatment process to the stent pattern. To this end, the stent pattern shown in FIG. 3 is deformed and fixed into the desired shape shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the present invention. Subsequently, the shaped stent pattern is heated to temperatures between 400° and 600° C. for several minutes and rapidly cooled down via water quenching or by means of rapid air cooling, for example. In this way, the frame 1 obtains a permanent mode, which is represented by FIGS. 1 and 2 of the present invention, and a temporary mode, which relates to the collapsed mode of the frame. Depending on the time and temperature of the heat treatment, the switching temperature between the temporary and the permanent mode of the frame 1 can be adjusted. According to the present invention, it is preferred to set the shifting temperature to a temperature between room temperature and body temperature of the patient, preferably about 22° C.

A second embodiment of the inventive radially collapsible frame can be derived from FIGS. 4a to 4c . The radially collapsible frame 100 according to the second embodiment is shown in a flat roll-out view in FIG. 4c . Similar to the first embodiment, the second embodiment of the inventive radially collapsible frame 100 comprises an outflow end region 103 at a proximal end of the frame 100 and inflow end region 102 at a distal end of the frame 100, opposite the outflow end region 103. The depicted radially collapsible frame 100 further comprises at least two radially space commissure region 110, 110′, 110″ located at the out flow end region 103 of the frame 100. In particular, the depicted frame 100 comprises three commissure regions 110, 110′, 110″. The commissure attachment regions 110, 110′, 110″ each comprise a commissure attachment portion 112, 112′, 112″ which is configured to receive commissure edges of prosthetic valve leaflet of a valve prosthesis.

The radially commissure attachment regions 110, 110′, 110″ are connected to each other by means of a cell structure which is composed of a plurality of lattice cells which are arranged around a flow axis (not shown) of the frame 100. As shown, the cell structure 130 is located between the radially spaced attachment regions 110, 110′, 110″ and attached with the lower end of the commissure attachment portions 112, 112′, 112″. The commissure attachment portions 112, 112′, 112″ comprise a plurality of fastening holes 113, providing a means for suturing the valvular prosthesis to frame 100. According to the second embodiment, the retaining portions 111, 111′, 111″ are not directly attached to the commissure attachment regions 110, 110′, 110″. Instead, as will be described in more detail below, the retaining portions 111, 111′, 111″ are attached to the anchoring/positioning arches 120, 120′, 120″ of the second embodiment.

Unlike the first embodiment, the inventive frame 100 according to the second embodiment does not comprise any retaining arches. For this reason, the cell structure 130 is used in order to attach the cusp edges of a valvular prosthesis to the frame 100. At the same time, the cell structure 130 of the second embodiment functions in order to protect the leaflets of the valvular prosthesis from any contact with the natural heart valve leaflets. That is, the cell structure 130 may be used as an attachment means and as a leaflet guard at the same time.

Further to the cell structure 130 and the radially spaced commissure attachment regions 110, 110′, 110″, the inventive frame 100 comprises at least one, in particular three, anchoring/positioning arches 120, 120′, 120″. The anchoring/positioning arches 120, 120′, 120″ radially overlap the cell structure 30 at least partially. In other words, the anchoring/positioning arches 120, 120′, 120″ are positioned at a radial distance at a flow axis, which is further than the radial distance of the cell structure 130 from the flow axis. That is, the anchoring/positioning arches 120, 120′, 120″ expand radially outwards relative to the cell structure 130. Each of the three anchoring/position arches 120, 120′, 120″ comprises two arms 120 a, 120 b, 120 a′, 120 b′, 120 a″, 120 b″ which are connected to each other at the inflow end 102 of the frame 100. In general, the anchoring/positioning arches exhibit the same features as the anchoring/positioning arches according to the first embodiment of the frame.

In contrast to the first embodiment, however, the positioning arches 120, 120′, 120″ of the second embodiment are not integrally formed together with the rest of the stent frame, such as the cell structure 130 and the commissure attachment region 110, 110′, 110″, shown in FIG. 4a . Rather, the anchoring/positioning arches 120, 120′, 120″ are manufactured as a separate piece, a roll-out view of which is shown in FIG. 4b . After producing the stent pattern of FIG. 4a and the anchoring/positioning arches 120, 120′, 120″ of FIG. 4b separately, the two parts are connected by means of welding, suturing, gluing or riveting. As can be derived from FIG. 4b , the anchoring/positioning arches 120, 120′, 120″ are most preferably welded to the edges of the commissure attachment regions 110, 110′, 110″ of the frame 100 according to second embodiment.

At the proximal end of the anchoring/positioning arches 120, 120′, 120″, retaining portions 111, 111′, 111″ are provided. The retaining portions 111, 111′, 111″ may comprise eyelets (not shown) which can be used in order to temporarily attach the inventive frame 100 to a medical insertion device. Alternatively, the retaining portions 111, 111′, 111″ could be received by grooves of a retaining element attached to the insertion device. The retaining portions 111, 111′, 111″ may comprise the depicted round shape. However, it is also conceivable to form the retaining portions 111, 111′, 111″ in any other shape, such as rectangular or polygonal shapes.

In order to manufacture the radially collapsible frame 100 of the second embodiment, it is not necessary to bend the anchoring/positioning arches 120, 120′, 120″ downward in a shape-setting process, after the stent pattern has been cut out of a hollow tube. Rather, the anchoring/positioning arches 120, 120′, 120″ are produced individually and attached in a separate manufacturing process step. This alternative manufacturing method has the advantage that no bending processes are introduced into the anchoring/positioning arches 120, 120′, 120″ during the shape setting process.

Finally it should be noted that the inventive frame 100 according to the second embodiment does not comprise a particular annular collar. Instead, the second embodiment of the inventive collapsible frame 100 comprises three additional support structures 140, 140′, 140″ as can be derived from FIGS. 4a and c . The additional support structures 140, 140′, 140″ are located at the inflow end region 102 of the radially collapsible frame 100 according to the second embodiment. Each of the three additional structures 140, 140′, 140″ is attached to a lower end of one of the plurality of the respective cells of the cell structure 130. Preferably, the additional support structure 140, 140′, 140″ are disposed radially around a flow axis of the frame 100 with an angle of about 120° in between two of the additional support structures 140, 140′, 140″. Furthermore, it can be derived from FIGS. 4a and 4c that the additional support structures 140, 140′, 140″ comprise a small rounded shape, so as to contact small areas of the heart valve ventricle below the natural heart valve annulus. Furthermore, the additional support structures 140, 140′, 140″ are preferably flared outward so as to achieve an effect, similar to the effect of the annular collar 40.

A third embodiment of the inventive radially collapsible frame is shown in FIG. 5. In more detail, FIG. 5 shows a flat roll-out view of the third embodiment of the inventive frame 200. The radially collapsible frame 200 according to the third embodiment mostly corresponds to the radially collapsible frame 100 of the second embodiment. The main difference between the frame 100 of the second embodiment and the frame 200 of the third embodiment is the construction of the cell structure 240. Unless stated otherwise, the parts of the frame 200 according to the third embodiment correspond identically to the parts of the frame 100 of the second embodiment. Similar parts were denoted with the reference signs of the second embodiment, wherein the factor “100” was added.

Compared to the cell structure 130 of the second embodiment, the cell structure 230 of the third embodiment comprises a smaller amount of lattice cells in the longitudinal direction of frame 200. In particular, the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5 does not comprise the uppermost row of cells of the cell structure 130 shown in FIG. 4c . Consequently, the frame 200 of the third embodiment has a smaller cell structure 130 which is compensated by a plurality of commissure attachment arms 215 a, 215 b, 215 a′, 215 b′, 215 a″, 215 b″. The commissure attachment arms 215 a, 215 b, 215 a′, 215 b′, 215 a″, 215 b″ are part of the commissure attachment regions 210, 210′, 210″ and configured to attach the commissure attachment portions 212, 112′, 212′ to the upper end of the cell structure 230. In particular, each of the commissure attachment portions 212, 212′, 212″ is attached to the cell structure 230 by means of two respective commissure attachment arms 215 a, 215 b, 215 a′, 215 b′, 215 a″, 215 b″.

Each of the commissure attachment arms 215 a, 215 b, 215 a′, 215 b′, 215 a″, 215 b″ comprises a plurality of notches 241, which have already been described with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Similar to the arms of the retaining arches according to the first embodiment, the commissure attachment arms 215 a, 215 b, 215 a′, 215 b′, 215 a″, 215 b″ are configured to assist with attaching the cusp edges of a valvular prosthesis to the collapsible frame 200. In particular, the cusp edges of the valvular prosthesis may be sutured to the notches 241 of the commissure attachment arches 215 a, 215 b, 215 a′, 215 b′, 215 a″, 215 b″.

All above mentioned and described embodiments and preferred embodiments will be appreciated by the skilled person to be workable also in other combinations of the features not explicitly described and such combinations will also be within the scope and disclosure of the invention. In particular, the frame of the first embodiment only optionally comprises retaining arches as depicted by the figures. Similar to the second and third embodiment, these retaining arches could be completely replaced by the cell structure, which could be used in order to attach the valvular prosthesis. Furthermore, the inventive frame could comprise more or fewer flared or tapered portions in its longitudinal direction. Finally, it should be noted that the frame is not restricted to the shape memory material Nitinol. Of course, any other suitable shape memory material is feasible especially in view of the bending stresses during the manufacturing as described above.

LIST OF REFERENCES

-   1, 100, 200 collapsible frame -   2, 102, 202 inflow end region -   3, 103, 203 outflow end region -   10, 10′, 10″ commissure attachment regions -   110, 110′, 110″ -   210, 210′, 210″ -   11, 11′, 11″ retaining portions -   111, 111′, 111″ -   211, 211′, 211″ -   12, 12′, 12″ commissure attachment portion -   112, 112′, 112″ -   212, 212′, 212″ -   20, 20′, 20″ anchoring/positioning arch -   120, 120′, 120″ -   20, 220′, 220″ -   20 a, 20 a′, 20 a″ first arm of anchoring/positioning arch -   120 a, 120 a′, 120 a″ -   220 a, 220 a′, 220 a″ -   20 b, 20 b′, 20 b″ second arm of anchoring/positioning arch -   120 b, 120 b′, 120 b″ -   220 b, 220 b′, 220 b″ -   21, 121, 221 eyelet of positioning arches -   30, 130, 230 cell structure -   31, 31′, 31″ first cell region -   32, 32′, 32″ second cell region -   40, 40′, 40″ retaining arch -   40 a, 40 a′, 40 a″ first arm of retaining arch -   40 b, 40 b′, 40 b″ second arm of retaining arch -   41, 241 notches -   50 annular collar -   51 struts of annular collar -   113 fastening holes -   140, 140′, 140″ additional support structure -   240, 240′, 240″ -   215 a, 215 a′, 215 a″ first commissure attachment arm -   215 b, 215 b′, 215 b″ second commissure attachment arm -   311 struts of first cell region -   321 struts of second cell region 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for treating a native heart valve, the method comprising: positioning a stent within a native heart valve, the stent including a frame and prosthetic valve leaflets, wherein the frame includes at least two commissure attachment regions located at a proximal outflow end of the frame, wherein each commissure attachment region is attached to commissure edges of the prosthetic valve leaflets, a plurality of circumferentially arranged retaining arches attached to cusp edges of the prosthetic valve leaflets, each retaining arch including a first arm joined to a second arm at an apex pointing towards a distal inflow end of the frame, a cell structure comprising a first plurality of cells disposed between the first arm and the second arm of each retaining arch, and a second plurality of cells disposed between adjacent arms of two neighboring retaining arches, and at least one arch radially outward of at least a portion of the cell structure; wherein the stent is positioned within the native heart valve so that the first plurality of cells of the cell structure inhibit one or more leaflets of the native heart valve from contacting the prosthetic valve leaflets.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of cells and each of the second plurality of cells is formed by a plurality of struts.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one arch radially outward of at least a portion of the cell structure is formed integrally with the at least two commissure attachment regions as a single piece.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one arch radially outward of at least a portion of the cell structure comprises a plurality of notches.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the stent further comprises an annular collar at a distal end of the retaining arches.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one arch radially outward of at least a portion of the cell structure comprises an eyelet.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the respective first arm and second arm of each retaining arch have a shape that matches the prosthetic valve leaflets.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein a cell density of the first plurality of cells is equal to a cell density of the second plurality of cells.
 9. A method for treating a native heart valve, the method comprising: positioning a frame within a native heart valve, the frame including at least two commissure attachment regions located at a distal end of the frame, wherein each commissure attachment region is attached to commissure edges of prosthetic valve leaflets, a plurality of circumferentially arranged retaining arches, each retaining arch including a first arm joined to a second arm at a distal end of the retaining arch, a first plurality of struts defining a first plurality of cells disposed between the first arm and the second arm of each retaining arch, a second plurality of struts defining a second plurality of cells disposed between adjacent arms of two neighboring retaining arches, wherein the first plurality of struts prevents at least a portion of a leaflet of the native heart valve from contacting at least one of the prosthetic valve leaflets, and at least one arch radially outward of at least a portion of the first plurality of cells.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one arch radially outward of at least a portion of the first plurality of cells is formed integrally with the at least two commissure attachment regions.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein positioning the frame within the native heart valve includes clamping the leaflet of the native heart valve between the at least one arch radially outward at least a portion of the first plurality of cells and one of the retaining arches.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the frame further comprises at least one annular collar connected to the second plurality of cells.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein at least one retaining arch of the plurality of circumferentially arranged retaining arches comprises a hole receiving a suture.
 14. A method for treating a native heart valve, the method comprising: positioning a stent within a native heart valve, the stent including a prosthesis having prosthetic valve leaflets; a frame, the frame including an outflow end region at a proximal end of the frame and an inflow end region at a distal end of the frame opposite the outflow end region, at least two commissure attachment regions located at the outflow end, wherein each commissure attachment region is attached to the prosthesis, a plurality of circumferentially arranged retaining arches, each retaining arch including a first arm joined to a second arm at a distal end of the retaining arch, a plurality of lattice cells proximal to the distal end of each retaining arch, the plurality of lattice cells comprising a plurality of first cells disposed between the first arm and the second arm of each retaining arch, and a plurality of second cells disposed between adjacent arms of two neighboring retaining arches, wherein the first plurality of cells guard the prosthetic valve leaflets from leaflets of the native heart valve, and at least one arch radially outward of at least a portion of the plurality of lattice cells; wherein positioning the stent within the native heart valve includes positioning the at least one arch in a pocket of a the native heart valve.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of lattice cells are defined by a plurality of struts.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the frame further comprises an annular collar at a distal end of at least one of the plurality of retaining arches or the plurality of second cells.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein positioning the at least one arch in the pocket of the native heart valve includes positioning an eyelet of the at least one arch in the pocket of the native heart valve.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein at least one arch radially outward of at least a portion of the plurality of lattice cells comprises three arches, and the plurality of retaining arches comprises three retaining arches.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the frame of the stent has a scalloped inflow edge.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the frame is integrally cut from a portion of a tube. 